by Marlin Bressi

Created on: May 30, 2009   Last Updated: September 25, 2011

Whether you own a home or rent an apartment, nothing brings out creativity and ingenuity like trying to make a small room look larger. While a small living room or bedroom can feel cozy, a small kitchen can feel oppressive. This is because the kitchen is the one room of a house where the most activity occurs, and performing any activity in a closed space, whether it's cooking, washing the dishes, or putting away groceries, can make a person feel smothered, trapped, and claustrophobic. If a small kitchen is making your life miserable, here are a few ways you can make your kitchen appear larger:

1. Replace the furniture. Having a kitchen table in the middle of the room is an enormous waste of space, especially if you have a small family. If there are only two members in your household, replace the traditional kitchen table and chairs with a small cafe-style table and bar stools. These tiny tables can fit snugly against a wall, opening up the middle of the room for traffic. They also provide a more romantic and intimate environment. If you have a larger family, on the other hand, a kitchen table is a must; however, shop around for the smallest table that will suit your needs. If possible, move the kitchen table and chairs into a different room and establish this adjoining room as a dining room.

2. Paint. Painting a room a lighter color will make the room appear larger. This is why it is very rare to see bathrooms and kitchens painted in dark colors. To maximize the effect, paint the ceiling a few shades lighter than the walls; this will make a low ceiling appear higher. Avoid molding or wallpaper borders, since this will make the room appear smaller.

3. Lighting. Low-hanging light fixtures, chandeliers, and ceiling fans will make a room look smaller. Instead, opt for recessed lighting or track lighting. It is also a good idea to allow as much natural light into the room as possible. If your kitchen has a window, don't cover the window with curtains or blinds. Not only will this make a small kitchen look cluttered, but it will reduce the amount of natural light inside the room.

4. Cabinet refacing. As cabinets get older and the hinges wear out, the cabinets will rarely stay completely closed. Surprisingly, this condition will not only make a room look disheveled, but it will make the room look smaller as well. If you don't believe it, simply open every kitchen cabinet about a half inch, stand back, and look at the room. Refacing old cabinets will make the entire kitchen look neater, and larger as well.

5. Get rid of clutter. Kitchens should be used for preparing and eating meals, not as a storage room for books, bills, office supplies, and other knick-knacks. Simply ridding your kitchen of unnecessary clutter will do wonders for you kitchen's appearance.

As you can see, there are many ways a small kitchen can be made to look larger without taking drastic measures. Before you get the urge to call a contractor to knock down a wall or build an addition to your house, give these tips a try and you just might find that you already have the kitchen of your dreams.

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